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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kristin M. Mattocks, PhD, MPH, Qualidigm, 100 Roscommon Drive, Middletown, CT 06457, 860-613-4181, kristinmattocks@yahoo.com

Disparities in HIV/AIDS incidence and mortality in the U.S. may exist because stigma surrounding race, gender, sexual orientation, and drug use discourage those with HIV/AIDS from seeking health services. The objectives of this study are: (1) to investigate how stigma shapes the way persons with HIV/AIDS seek health services; (2) to explain the utilization of health services for four groups with HIV/AIDS: Blacks, women, men who have sex with men, and injection drug users; and (3) to assess the physical and mental health outcomes of these groups. Using baseline data from the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study, this study examines the impact of stigma on health services utilization and health outcomes for 2864 people receiving health services for HIV/AIDS in the U.S. in 1996. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the impact of stigma on services utilization and health outcomes. Stigma acted to differentially alter the pathway to health services for each of the four groups of interest. Differences in service utilization and health status narrowed between Blacks and other racial groups as stigma increased. At all levels of stigma, women and men had similar services utilization and health statuses. Injection drug users utilized more services and experienced poorer mental health outcomes than other risk groups. For those who experienced multiple stigmas, social enabling resources were important predictors of services use. Local providers of AIDS services, as well as large government aid programs, must target their programs to these stigmatized groups to ensure they receive quality HIV care.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe stigma and discrimination as they relate to health care for HIV/AIDS
• Differentiate types of stigma experienced by different populations (Blacks, women with children, gay men)
• Assess strategies to alleviate stigma or discrimination in the healthcare system

Keywords: Social Inequalities, Access and Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered